This article was updated on the 4th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your smoked turkey breast, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 17 of the most popular side dishes for smoked turkey breast.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with smoked turkey breast are mashed potato cakes, sweet potato rolls, green bean casserole, and cornbread stuffing. Try broccoli salad, vegetable kabobs, and kale salad for healthier options. You can also serve cauliflower gratin, baked rice, and stuffed collard greens.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Related: how to reheat turkey slices
Great Flavor Pairings for Smoked Turkey Breast
Smoking turkey breast gives it a richer flavor and a distinct smoky twist. It also gives the turkey breast dark exteriors while keeping the insides juicy and flavorful.
- Tangy flavors: Like the regular roast version, smoked turkey works well with prominent tangy flavors from classics like cranberry sauce. But don’t be afraid to incorporate other ingredients like Granny Smith apples or even mustard.
- Fresh flavors: Given the deep undertones of the smoked turkey breast, pairing it with fresh flavors brings out the best of both worlds. Consider serving it with crisp greens like arugula or spinach, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette. Fresh herbs, like parsley, cilantro, or basil, can be sprinkled on top for added brightness.
- Creamy flavors: The tender texture of smoked turkey breast melds beautifully with creamy elements. You can serve it with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, or a rich cheese sauce. For a lighter touch, a yogurt or tzatziki sauce can provide a decadent yet refreshing contrast.
Thanksgiving Favorites
Turkey is the quintessential Thanksgiving protein, so it’s not a surprise we have a roster of holiday dishes on the list. And despite being Thanksgiving favorites, these dishes are delicious any time of the year with smoked turkey breast.
Mashed Potato Cakes
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 45 mins
These potato cakes are a fun twist to a classic smoked turkey breast side dish (mashed potatoes).
Eat Well 101 adds pancetta to the mashed potatoes for additional savory flavor before they’re formed into mini cakes using a ring mold. The resulting dish?
A golden-brown, crisp potato cake on the outside with a savory and soft, melt-in-your-mouth inside.
Pro Tip: Don’t have ring molds? Make these cakes in a muffin tin instead.
What readers are saying…
“Second time making these!! Easy to make. Had rave reviews. I made them in a muffin tin.!!”
“Very tasty. I didn’t have the rings… so used my silicone muffin cups inside the muffin tin, and they worked perfectly.”
“I made these in buttered muffin tins came out great! Also replaced meat with small dice of Cheddar since we have vegetarians in the family, very tasty.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls
4.9 ⭐️ (11 ratings) | 3 hrs 25 mins
Whether you’re cooking for a Thanksgiving dinner or a typical Sunday meal, these sweet potato rolls are the perfect accompaniment to your smoked turkey breast.
Unlike regular dinner rolls, these have a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the smokiness of your turkey breast. And don’t worry if you don’t have sweet potatoes — this recipe works with canned squash too.
Psst… whip up quick, no-drippings gravy to pair with your smoked turkey breast and these sweet potato rolls.
What readers are saying…
“We love scratch dinner rolls. that’s all my 14yo wants for Thanksgiving most of the time.”
“These look fantastic!! Wonderful pictures, and I love the idea of using sweet potato in the rolls.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Green Bean Casserole
4.9 ⭐️ (46 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
Impress your guests with this made-from-scratch green bean casserole! If you haven’t tried this yet – you’re missing out.
Making every element of this casserole from scratch makes a world of difference. The cream of mushroom soup is leagues better than the canned stuff, and using fresh green beans gives you a crisp-tender bite.
Serve this casserole alongside your smoked turkey breast for a hearty, holiday-themed meal.
What readers are saying…
“Made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit. My mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband all said it was the highlight of the side dishes and there was a fight over the leftovers!”
“I really like this recipe and the casserole without the use of cream of mushroom soup!”
“These beans are amazing. I didn’t have time to make the crispy shallots and the recipe is still fabulous. A new holiday tradition.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cornbread Stuffing
4.9 ⭐️ (46 ratings) | 1 hr 40 mins
Make even regular weekend dinners feel like Thanksgiving when you serve your smoked turkey breast with this cornbread stuffing.
This dish is chock full of delicious, sweet, and savory flavors, courtesy of the sausages, apples, cranberries, and herbs.
And of course, we can’t forget about the hero of this dish — homemade cornbread. The crumbly texture and subtle sweetness of this cornbread round out the whole meal.
After a taste of this cornbread stuffing, you won’t look at the boxed stuff the same way again.
What readers are saying…
“Excellent! I never liked stuffing before but this stuffing/dressing came out delicious.”
“This was a Thanksgiving hit with my family! I used gluten-free flour and toasted the cornbread a little longer. Perfect consistency and delicious taste!”
“This recipe is a hit! So be prepared for disappointment if you hope for leftovers!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Creamed Spinach
4.9 ⭐️ (16 ratings) | 25 mins
Creamed spinach is the easiest holiday-inspired side dish you can serve with your smoked turkey breast.
It’s simple but utterly delicious. After all, very few could resist anything that’s smothered with a rich, silky sauce made from heavy cream and cream cheese.
Salt and Lavender uses frozen spinach for this recipe, which makes prep even easier. You can also use fresh leaves, but you’ll need to boil them first before folding them in the creamy sauce.
What readers are saying…
“Made this for my mother-in-law who loves creamed spinach. My husband and I tried it and loved it too!”
“Such an easy and delicious recipe! I added bacon and artichoke hearts.”
“Outstanding! I followed everything exactly and this was just knock your socks off good!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cranberry Jello Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 6 hrs
It’s not a Thanksgiving meal without some form of cranberries to add to your smoked turkey breast. And this salad fits the bill!
It features a combination of fruits and nuts, creating a tart-sweet contrast to the smokiness of your turkey. Scattered Thoughts of a Mom also adds pecans for crunch.
Serve this cranberry jello salad alongside (or on top of) your smoked turkey breast for holiday-inspired dinner.
What readers are saying…
“My entire family loves this salad. I did use whole berry canned cranberry sauce and added about 3/4 cup of sugar to them. Salad set up & was delicious.”
“Made it and loved it. I care for an elderly lady and she loves anything with cranberries and she loves it.”
“Was easy to prepare, and was a big hit! Found a new favorite. Added coconut!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables and Salads
Keep your smoked turkey breast meal lean and healthy with these veggie and salad sides! Leafy salads are a quick and easy option but don’t worry if you aren’t a fan — I’ve found plenty of exciting dishes to try
Broccoli Apple Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 20 minutes
Got the itch for a creamy salad to go with your smoked turkey breast?
Steer away from the traditional potato salad and give this broccoli apple salad a try instead. Loaded with crunchy fruits and vegetables, this salad ticks all the boxes of what you’d want in a side dish: crunch, nutrition, and flavor.
And if that’s not enough, it’s dressed with a combination of mayo and low-fat Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier, creamy, and tangy dressing.
What readers are saying…
“This salad is a favorite in our house. Amazingly delicious! I make it once a week, I could eat it every day if it were up to me.”
“My husband and I love this recipe. It’s great to take to gatherings, especially since you can make it ahead of time.”
“This is one of my favorite recipes!!!!! Never disappoints and a weekly staple for work. Thank you!!!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Kale Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 25 minutes
Looking to add a light and fresh dish to complete your smoked turkey lunch? This kale salad may be just what you need.
It’s a vibrant and colorful salad bursting with tangy flavors and crunchy textures.
But what really makes it special is the balsamic orange dressing. It adds a delightful zingy kick that’ll tickle your taste buds.
What readers are saying…
“This Kale Salad is INCREDIBLE! We brought it to a bbq this weekend and no one could stop raving about it! So flavorful and delicious!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Roasted Cauliflower Gratin
5.0 ⭐️ (98 ratings) | 50 minutes
Want the cheesy goodness of potato au gratin, but watching the calories? Curb your cravings with this cauliflower gratin!
The cauliflower florets in this dish are roasted not boiled, which gives them irresistible crispy edges and enhances their natural flavors that pair superbly with the cheese sauce.
Create the ultimate comfort meal with a generous helping of this roasted cauliflower gratin and your smoked turkey breast.
What readers are saying…
“Healthy and delicious.”
“This was so good and so easy, every one of your recipes we’ve tried has been a winner! I LOVE cauliflower so was excited to make this and it was delicious!!”
“Exquisite and creamy dish. The best to make kids love cauliflower.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇬🇧 Cauliflower Cheese
🍄 Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
🤩 Mashed Cauliflower
Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
5.0 ⭐️ (21 ratings) | 40 minutes
For the days when you want to keep things simple, this dish has your back.
The carrots and Brussels sprouts are flavored with honey and a seasoning mix with chili powder and cayenne, giving the veggies a sweet and spicy kick.
This dish is no-frills, but it’s delicious enough to be served alongside your smoked turkey, even for special dinners.
Psst… Use rainbow carrots to achieve this dish’s colorful, vibrant look.
What readers are saying…
“I found this recipe a few weeks ago and have made it several times. It’s now my go-to recipe for Brussels sprouts. We’re addicted!”
“Excellent. (I may have put too much chili pepper on for my husband). 10 mins before end of cook time I added, and stirred in, strips of Bok Choy.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetable Kabobs
5.0 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 35 minutes
Make your smoked turkey breast a complete, hearty, and healthy meal with these vegetable kabobs.
The key to making them extra tasty lies in marinating your vegetables in the flavorful garlic lemon marinade.
And what I love about these is you can easily make them without firing up your grill — they roast perfectly in the oven.
What readers are saying…
“Excellent! So flavorful and looked gorgeous on the serving platter.”
“These kabobs are totally made for champions! I love the rainbow of colors and the yummy lemon and herb combination! Pinned!“
“These kabobs are just so delicious. I’ve tried them in the oven and over the BBQ. Yummy both ways. The marinade is an absolute winner.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cilantro Coleslaw
4.5 ⭐️ (55 ratings) | 10 minutes
Bring a summery twist to your smoked turkey breast with this vibrant slaw.
Instead of a mayo dressing, this recipe features a simple lime and cilantro vinaigrette that complements your turkey’s smokiness, making each bite an absolute delight. Plus, the crisp texture of the veggies is an excellent contrast to your tender, juicy turkey meat.
Planning to make this slaw ahead of serving? Keep the dressing separate and only toss when you’re ready to serve.
What readers are saying…
“This slaw was delicious! I used honey instead of agave and it worked just fine. So fresh!”
“Absolutely addicting!!!”
“This was literally one of the best Pinterest recipes I’ve tried! It was a great way to use up veggies that were about to go bad.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Unique Twists
Your smoked turkey breast meal won’t be boring when you have these unique dishes on the side! Indulge in fusion twists or enjoy a classic dish in a whole new light.
Baked Mushroom Rice
4.9 ⭐️ (69 ratings) | 45 minutes
Turn your smoked turkey breast into a complete, hearty meal with this baked mushroom rice.
This dish is a one-pan wonder that requires virtually no active cooking time. And in just 45 minutes, you get perfectly fluffy rice infused with the mushrooms’ delicious umami flavors.
With how easy and tasty this baked mushroom rice is, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it sooner.
What readers are saying…
“So simple to make. I made this yesterday using basmati rice and added roasted onions. This recipe is definitely a keeper.”
“Extremely tasty not gonna lie. I love every recipe made with rice and this one is definitely one of my favorites.”
“Loved, loved, loved this. It was so delicious. The aroma of the garlic and mushrooms cooking in the oven was amazing. Took leftovers to work for lunch.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Kimchi Mac and Cheese
5.0 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 45 minutes
Getting bored of classic mac and cheese? Spice it up by adding chopped kimchi.
The kimchi brings a fiery kick and subtle tangy flavor to the cheese sauce. I also like throwing in a handful of bacon bits for added crunch and smokiness to round out the dish.
Imagine smothering your smoked turkey breast slices with this spicy, cheesy sauce — just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
What readers are saying…
“This was a very enjoyable dish and your instructions were easy to follow!”
“What a delicious idea! I love mac n cheese but always thought it could use some acid. So smart & tasty.”
“You are right this isn’t a boring mac and cheese recipe. The family asked to have it again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Thai Noodle Stir Fry
5.0 ⭐️ (232 ratings) | 30 minutes
Switch things up by making this Thai noodle stir fry to go with your smoked turkey breast.
It’s packed to the brim with various sweet, savory, and spicy flavors from the vegetables and sauce. The variety of vegetables in this dish gives you a pleasant combination of crisp-tender and soft textures.
And the most important part? It only takes 30 minutes to get these stir-fry noodles from your kitchen to your dining room table.
What readers are saying…
“Delicious flavors! Substitutions were broccoli and carrots for zucchini/squash and red peppers.”
“Stop reading the reviews and just make this! It’s just so delicious and good!”
“I’ve made this recipe 15 times and it is a go-to in our house! It’s so salty and flavourful and even my picky kids eat it (little less curry paste for us).”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Italian-Stuffed Collard Greens
Total Time: 30 minutes
Not the biggest fan of collard greens? These stuffed collard greens may just change your mind.
The greens are stuffed with a cheesy rice and sausage mixture, rolled, and then smothered in the marinara sauce before being baked in the oven. After all, everything’s better with cheese and carbs.
These Italian-stuffed collard greens are guaranteed to be a massive hit among your guests.
What readers are saying…
“I absolutely love this idea for collard greens! Looks crazy delicious!”
“These were delicious! I was looking for a new way to make collards since we get them often in our winter CSA.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Baked Lobster Tails
5.0 ⭐️ (11 ratings) | 30 minutes
Wondering what else to serve with your smoked turkey breast that’ll wow your guests?
Give these baked lobster tails a try. Just the thought of sweet, juicy lobster meat drenched in melted butter makes my mouth water.
Your guests will be impressed and think they took you hours to prepare.
But in reality, it’ll only take you 30 minutes to get these buttery baked lobster tails prepped and ready to serve.
What readers are saying…
“Absolutely delicious! And easy!”
“Air fried the lobster tails, and they were delicious! Thank you for the quick and easy recipe and “how to” butterfly a lobster tail video.”
“These baked lobster tails are just heavenly!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Smoked Turkey Breast – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion broccoli apple salad
- 1 portion baked mushroom rice
- 1 portion Thai noodle stir-fry
- 1 portion cranberry jello salad
- 1 portion mashed potato cakes
- 1 portion cornbread stuffing … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your smoked turkey breast according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: mashed potato cakes, sweet potato rolls, green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, broccoli apple salad, baked mushroom rice, kale salad, roasted cauliflower gratin, kimchi mac and cheese, Thai noodle stir fry, vegetable kabobs, cranberry jello salad, Italian-stuffed collard greens, roasted carrots and brussels sprouts, baked lobster tails.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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